The subjects of my blog posts, mostly essays and poems, are related to the themes of my paintings. Writing in an introspective and philosophical manner, I wish to communicate my views of life and art from the perspective of spiritual struggle.

My painting, "Anger" is a depiction of the many faces of that emotion, and was painted as an expression of one part of the grieving process when my mother passed on several years ago. She died in 2002 and it was 2007 when I painted some of the emotions I felt at that time, including anger.

It is an emotion that I allow myself to feel, but which - depending on the anger - am thoughtful about how I express it. Some anger is hot and fast, rising quickly to the surface before you have time to think about it, sometimes causing you to react in ways you might later regret. This is the type of anger we have to step back and think about. It is good to do so because such anger often leaves as quickly as it comes. This is the type of anger that I'm most likely to feel when I'm driving responsibly in traffic and another driver is aggressively tailgating, or when I'm dealing with rude service people in public.

Another type of anger is the kind that stems from having strong emotions about a particular situation, remaining intense over time. Trying to supress it only makes it worse. In order to best handle it, you must admit that it exists. Anger withheld is anger denied, and anger denied is a form being dishonest with yourself. Anger denied can lead to physical illness or make you mentally become a person with "issues," which are often obvious to those around you, but not always obvious to you.

In my lifetime, I've only heard two people say they have never been angry. I'm still wondering how this is possible - how do they do it? Because we are human, it is normal to occasionally feel anger, regardless of whether we show it or not. Rare is the person who never feels anger about something, be it a job promotion that was given to someone else, betrayal by a friend or a reckless driver who cuts you off in traffic. If someone never feels anger , I would wonder if they were out of touch with their feelings or if they were emotionally numb most of the time. Perhaps such a person thinks it is wrong to feel anger.

How do you handle anger? Do you feel it is unhealthy to express anger?

Sunday, October 18, 2009

It has been said that the written word is mightier than the sword. I agree. Anything documented, whether imagery or words, has a sense of finality about it. Perhaps etched in stone? Maybe that is why, during previous war times, the artists and intellectuals were the first to be imprisoned or banished.

Written words and imagery often carry a lot of weight, with the ability to influence both consciously and subconsciously. It is for this reason that certain imagery could possibly be considered propaganda.

An artist's imagery is his sword, as is a writer's words. Whether we understand or not the subject matter, looking at a documented work can sometimes seem as powerful as the actual creation of it, particularly if our emotions are engaged. That is how I have sometimes felt when viewing great abstract art, where my connection has often been more on a primal level rather than a cerebral one. The warrior-spirit of such works shine through strident and strong.

The warrior is the archtype of the artist because of his courage in using his sword, among other reasons, I'm sure. He knows that he takes a risk each time he uses it. Rarely does he use it recklessly. It is drawn with forethought and purpose. It may be drawn to document, teach, report, deliver a message or simply to share beauty or impart wisdom.

The warrior is essentially peaceful. He is a leader in the quest for harmony, and rarely seeks out enemies. Most likely, he chooses his battle based on the force of his need to express, as well as the content of the subject matter. In seeking to achieve harmony throught the art principles and values of line, form, color, balance and shape, the artist-warrior makes his mark and hits his target, either multiple times or a few.

Being artist-warriors, even the most passive-appearing artists are vociferious in alternative ways, aware of their freedom to speak through their avenue of choice. Moreover, they are confidently aware of the powerful warrior spirit that dwells within, unleashed time and again with positive purpose, having its say. Making its mark.

About Me

For the past twenty-two years I have been a prolific professional artist. My primary discipline is painting. My secondary disciplines are writing, calligraphy, collage and mixed media, including handmade boxes, handmade books and notecards. The highlights of my career include a two-year stint as an art columnist, an award-winning artist's residency at a prominent museum, several solo and group exhibitions, magazine covers and features, also television, radio and speaking engagements, to name just a few. I am a mid-career artist who is once again promoting my art, while seeking to make good friends and have fun along the way.

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Amazement

At times, I have nourished my dayson simpleamazementOf Infinite Creationgeneratingeach through eachtime upon timenever duplicatingthe rhymeOf vast varietiesproliferatingone after oneeach uniquebeyond reachOf earthly imagination.When I ponderthis incredibilityI do not questionvalidityAmazement is mineThere is a Divine! Note: Unless otherwise noted, all work is the copyrighted property of Georgette Jones, and must not be copied, duplicated or downloaded without the owner's written permission.:

Poets Read and Loved

Langston Hughes

Arna Bontemps

Gwendolyn Brooks

Walt Whitman

Pablo Neruda

Lucille Clifton

Rumi

Edna St. Vincent Millay

Maya Angelou

William Shakespeare

Emily Dickinson

Richard Wright

Naomi Long Madgett

"Within My Heart I Give Thanks"

Acrylic on 100% Rag / 2004

About Haiku

Three lines of poetry. First line is 5 syllables; second line is 7 syllables; third line is 5 syllables. Non-rhyming. Preferably about the seasons and/or nature. I will be posting some from time to time.